Public Rights of Way

Public rights of way are undoubtedly an important feature of the English and Welsh countryside. The large network of Footpaths, Bridleways, Restricted Byways, and Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) give the public at large the ability to walk unimpeded through some of the most beautiful parts of our countryside. The network is also expanding, with more and more rights of way being added to Local Authorities’ Definitive Maps of Rights of Way each year (except for BOATs, which will be difficult to register following the implementation of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006).

If you are seeking to apply to register a public right of way because you believe, and can provide evidence, that a route has been actually enjoyed by the public as of right and without interruption for a full period of 20 years or you are seeking to defeat a claim for registration of a public right of way, Lawson Lewis Blakers can help. Our solicitors have a great deal of knowledge and experience in dealing with applications for the registration of public rights of way, and if you would like advice and on making an application to register a public right of way, advice on defeating such an application, or would like us to handle the entire case for you from the start through to the end, we would be pleased to assist.

If, instead, you are in negotiations with a Local Authority as to the establishment of a permissive right of way over your land we would be pleased to assist by reviewing and advising on the draft documentation issued to you by the Local Authority.